Hello again and welcome to another round of LoCG readers. We're reaching the final two chapters of this adventure. I hope you've enjoyed the ride, cause I've certainly enjoyed writing it. I'll probably take a break before I begin refining old chapters. But I certainly hope you all will look back at this story fondly. From the Fey invasion to the Devourer's rise and now the beginning of the end. Index really has changed for the worse hasn't she… Glad you all stook through this story with me.
Anyways reviews, undoubtedly rails will have his own thoughts but I'll take mine first.
Craytherlay;[
whwsms:{Intensity certainly is the best way to describe that chapter. From the chillaxed reunions directly into the heat of interphasal battle with Index and Accel. And poor Accel was on the run the whole time… still why did she have to eat Brazil? And well, lets be honest, Mikoto even accepting magic will still have moments of stubbornness and confusion. She's only really just coming to terms with it after all.
Well well well, your in luck cause we are due another check in. Repercussions may not be able to be properly addressed in this story. But any sequels will def address them, especially Othinus's death.}
D. :{Hey, it's Touma, even Kihara Kagun believed his mere presence was enough to save lives. It's just in this case it's a matter of, the hero showing up for a last minute rescue sorta deal. But yeah… there were a number of amusing reactions, especially Mugino.
Accel's on the backfoot thats for sure, and like me and Rails said in last chap's A/N. He's really just desperately trying to avoid becoming a happy meal. And indeed he's def grown as a character since the canon story. I felt it was only natural for him to eventually view the espers as his students after becoming chairman. But indeed, Index has ate 6 magic gods including Odin herself. It's not a stretch to say she's likely the single smartest person in the world beyond Aliester and his… 'whatever'D chess.}
5had0wHand:{Me and rails felt that was in order, after so many dark chapters. Some Levity was necessary to keep people from feeling down.
Touma tends to have that effect on people, so yes that is his real superpower XD. Glad you enjoyed that, and oh… thanks to having watched Marvel's Moon Knight. I can appreciate this joke a little more than I would have. #heckingseadoggos man, Muireann is channeling the energy of every damn cute seal video you've ever seen. And I'm absolutely overjoyed you love her so much.
Hey, I wasn't the one who thought she'd utterly ruin the initial greeting. I ironically felt she'd be fairly laid back with her reaction. A bit too laid back actually in this case, however her getting confused by Toma saying weeks isn't too out there. She's not exactly familiar with phases yet, gonna take her a bit to get used to. Oh but I absolutely understand, a lot of fanfic writers, write purely to just shit on characters they dislike or similar.
I'm more shocked you didn't mention them going to Brazil. But yes it was a cliffhanger, sorry for the confusion. That fight and the psychological battle between Accel and Index was def a highlight.
I'm glad you didn't mind and enjoyed it, I would like to know what other's think too. Cause me and rails enjoy doing that little A/N segment}
Guest1:{I don't know what you mean by her looking/sounding dumb. She's not playing any villian card, not like Accel did at least. She's just admitting her truths and not hiding behind a mask. Oh this should be the second to last chapter, so don't worry if you think it's gone on for too long.
I don't hate him, it was mostly passive aggressive teasing, but he does get… irritating to say the least. As long as you don't mention NT or Othinus around him without him prompting it. He's actually fun to chat to, I enjoy his Toaru RWBY crossover story.}
Mr?:{ The Main man himself back again!
I understand what you mean, the feeling of whiplash when you go from one mood, to a different one like that. But I feel the levity and more jovial feel of the Touma part was both necessary and made sense. For one thing, they don't exactly have a luxury of time. People aren't gonna all be able to greet Touma at once, instead measuring their time so they can both greet him and finish the ritual set up in time. But yeah I guess me and rails could have worked to flesh out the comedy a bit better.
Oh that was definitely very fun to mess with especially by letting Qliphah possess Accel. The back and forth between him, Qliphah and Index made it, in some moments, amusing. Then tense, then outright nightmare-inducing depending on the situation.
Oh and I'm glad you understood me and rails reasoning for it. Cause like Index said, for all intents and purposes, Accel… really is a god to most humans. The fact Index can make even him run just shows how much worse she is and I'm glad you noted that. Oh that moral dilemma was one me and rails went back and forth on. So, it's very satisfying to see that you enjoyed it and found it very interesting. And I'm glad you think we made the right decisions with him there.
Hey they happen sometimes, not like I'm a perfect writer or claim to be one. I'm not dark XD}] Well, your turn rails!
Dragonrails:[ Hey everyone I hope you all liked this chapter, I'll admit that this chapter was a bit difficult considering the range of emotions that were being shown here, this chapter would've been up sooner but due to a few parts that I felt some needed some tweaking and added on to it.
Whwsms:{to be honest i did have some ideas with the board members, but considering time limit with the launch and plan needed to stop Index there wasn't much room for something to happen to them at that moment.}
D. :{ I'm glad to see that you liked the character reactions to him returning Which a majority of our time was spent thinking how would everyone react to him returning and who would go first, also in my opinion it was a bit difficult with the balance with Accelerator's power and his defense and Index taking him on I really had imagined the fight between them and the reactions they both have but i felt that Cray did an awesome job on it…considering what we had before.}
5had0wHand:{ it was tough trying to change the mood when Touma returned considering the situation i had to really imagine that scene and try and give a "It's good to see you man! We don't have much time left but it's great to see you vibe" as I felt it was, speaking about the Touma and Fiamma convo oh man you should've been in the voice chat with Me and Cray we had some fun with how they would talk to each other, we spent a good time in trying to get that convo right also i had deadpool and the punisher in mind myself.
Also don't ask Cray on his opinion on Misaka unless you want a non stop rant trust me, also I myself know what you mean I've read many fics (too many to count) where writers really express their opinion on a character and your just like "my god we get it!?"
Ahhh one of favorite parts especially because it delt with the psychological warfare, I really have a sense of pride when it comes to that, having Accelerator and Index fight with their words I really wanted to express that "Words hold power" vibe in a way its like getting stabbed by a killer then having the killer twist the knife just to make sure you feel the blade inside you in an emotional way.
I'm glad you liked our segment, I was really wondering if someone would take the time to read that and get a good laugh out of it, me and Cray felt like "you know maybe the readers would like to see what happens when Cray gives Rails a chapter to look over and fix up" it's like I told Cray recently "All you're chapters are complete shit until I take a look at it and see what needs to be fixed or deleted" I'm a very harsh editor I've probably made Cray stay up a few nights with him in the fetal position wondering why the chapter he wrote sucked so much}
Mr?:{ you're not exactly wrong about the switch between Accelerator and Touma me and Cray felt a bit of the same way, but i felt like the readers would be more into whats gonna happen to accelerator more then Touma's Return, I for one am glad that I helped Cray with the Accelerator having the power of a god although he's mortal part, i myself really had to get in that mindset that he has the power to do whatever he wanted when he wanted and who's going to stop him? There aren't many that could give him a challenge, yeah Touma and Index or possibly other magic god could give him a run for his money but thats about it.
As for the choice for between the student's and Family me and Cray felt that, having that part was a good psychological warfare tactic and having Accelerator told that any reply he had Index already had a response for it, and him being told that he's just not dealing with Index and Othinus personality but he's dealing with all the magic gods that Index devoured I felt like that gave Index bigger final boss vibes in my opinion.}
With that out of the way, remember constructive criticism is both encouraged and desired. Now, let this tale of an infinity, commence once again!
Chapter 67
Final Countdown
The ultimate sacrifice
"And… that settles it" a male voice spoke in a room. "With all our signatures, nothing short of a miracle will stop the launch. And we all know those are unscientific."
In the middle of a large table, lay a single piece of paper. Multiple names written down on it.
A elderly male voice spoke, "then let us not delay. That Index has caused enough panic as is. People are getting irrational," he stood from his seat.
"Agreed, there's a number of unrealistic over-exaggerations about her abilities. Even with the power of a level 6." A middle aged female voice slid their chair back.
A young adult male voice gave a sigh. "Indeed, there appear to be a number of internet forums calling her a 'goddess'. Honestly, cults are way too easy to create nowadays."
The board of directors left the room and headed down the hall. Entering a larger room, a screen covered one wall, below it was a control panel with a faxing device. A phone to the side could be seen as the first male voice fed the document through the fax.
"How long till the launch?" a elderly female voice said.
A middle aged male spoke up, "30 minutes I'd wager, that'll be how long it takes them to ratify the signatures and ready the warhead."
Silence fell for a few moments, but then a ringing was heard. The group looked around before their eyes fell on the phone.
"Think it's the brat who seems to think he's our board chairman?" the middle aged male voice growled.
The first male voice stepped forward and lifted the phone. "Unlikely… he's… busy at the moment" He put it on speaker, "who is this? And how the hell did you get this number?"
"You seem to think that just because Accelerator isn't there that there is no one left to stop you." The voice that came from the phone was feminine, yet masculine. Young, yet old, saintly, yet sinful. "I can assure you, even if your plan wasn't the most idiotic one I've ever heard of. You will only find yourself failing, I won't let you destroy all that he has worked to protect."
"It's….It's you!" The first male voice was shaking with anger. "You have no authority here, you gave that up when you abandoned this city. The moment you were declared dead and you handed the keys of this place to that child. You lost all your power, do not think you can tell us what to do anymore. This is our city, not yours!"
The voice grew cold, "You seem to be mistaken. I have no intention of returning to that failure of a city. It has served its purpose for me, but there are still things there I find value in. And I'd rather not lose them because of the foolishness of its short sighted leaders. Let me make one thing clear, nothing you can do will kill, let alone harm Index. No matter how much power you throw at her, it will be fruitless. Whether or not you have the mind to believe me, all your actions will do is anger her."
The young female voice scoffed. "Bullshit! Index may have resurrected ITEM and have the power of a level 6. But she's still just a child, it's not like she's indestructible!"
"Words from blind fools unaware of their own ignorance refusing to accept that which they don't understand." The young yet old voice said. "Have recent events taught you nothing? Or are you willingly locking yourselves in your towers ignoring the changing world outside?"
The elderly male voice spoke next. "Pah! Your outlandish claims and pathetic attempt to gaslight us only prove you're afraid. You merely wanted to sell us out to the Roman catholics. There's no other reason you'd let Index into the city to begin with."
The feminine yet maculine voice let out an irritated sigh. "The fact you've convinced yourself of such lies is proof of how short sighted you all are. The bigger picture is lost on you all, too busy projecting your own fears onto others to notice the real threats. Jumping at the smallest connections as 'proof' of your suspicions."
"Your words change nothing," the young male voice chimed in. "You're too late, we've already submitted the paperwork. Nothing can stop the launch now! So you might as well drop the charade!"
"The only charade is the one you've convinced yourselves of. But, now you've revealed I will need to clean up your mess. Otherwise the world will be doomed to the jaws of the Devourer." The saintly yet sinful voice had grown exasperated. Like a parent tired of their children not listening to them.
The middle aged male voice spoke, rolling their eyes. "Do you really think we'd believe something as ridiculous and unscientific as the reports of her altering her size to cover the south American continent?" they asked. "The mere fact it came from a Brazilian account is proof against you! At that size, the amount of heat she'd produce would melt the ground and cook her up from the inside. Her bones would shatter from the slightest movement! And don't even get me started on the whole 'eclipsing the sky with her jaws'. It's just some hormonal teenager's fetishized fantasy!"
"She resurrected ITEM and even the citizens of Tokyo during her fight. What makes you think she can't do the same to the Brazilian populace? As much as I'd love this to simply be someone's 'fetish fantasy' as you put it. I am afraid it is a very real threat, even if it has manifested in an… interesting way." The human voice grew smug as it chuckled. "If you aren't willing to accept it's true after all that's happened. You will all die ignorant fools who were incapable of stepping outside their comfort zone."
"Sh-shut up! If you think you're buying time, you're too late. Like we said, we've already submitted the paperwork. The launch is inevitable" The elderly woman's voice snapped. "You're just making yourself look desperate!"
"I am not buying time, I am merely giving you a warning. I am coming for you, and nothing you can do will stop me. Not even all the advanced technology at your disposal." That human's voice became a sneer, "And that is if, Index doesn't make you all into an appetizer first."
The middle aged female voice snorted. "You're scared, admit it, you're terrified of us. We've gained power and now you can't control us. So, you're trying to get us to second guess ourselves so we'll hand back control to you!"
Silence for a moment, "You're right… I am terrified, but not of you," the voice began. "I'm afraid of what Index will become should Kamijou Touma die in the blast caused by your solar nuke. You seem to think she's somehow still human. Believing you could destroy a black hole with a large enough explosive." The voice became grim, "you kill that boy, and what will be unleashed might as well be the living personification of vacuum decay. I've given you my warning, now I will keep my promises" the voice hung up and silence filled the room.
"Nothing has changed, you were too late the moment you called." The first male voice turned to the screen in the back wall. "The launch cannot be stopped anyways."
25 minutes till the launch.
Entering a large tent that had temporarily been set up in the middle of the sargasso. Touma looked around, it seemed everyone was gathering here, so something big must have been about to go down.
"Touma-kun! You're alright!" he turned to see Shutura approach. However, her pink eyes revealed who was really talking. "I was a little busy earlier, so I didn't get to see you."
"Arisa!? What are you doing here?" Touma asked, a little confused. "Shouldn't you be back in academy city?"
Shutaura flashed him a sad smile, "why do you think Kamijou Touma? Same as everyone else." Arisa nodded, "Index is my friend so I can't let her do this. And… we wanted to make up for being too afraid to talk to you." Shutaura glanced away in shame, "If… if we had brought up the courage to speak to you, just once after Endimiyon. None of this would have happened. We let Celt take advantage of us so we're responsible for everything that happened."
Touma looked down and bit his lip, "your fault? Don't give me that crap!" he hissed out before glaring into their eyes. "The two of you were hurting, and I never thought once to check in on you. I called myself your friend, yet I never once tried to check and make sure you were alright." He clenched his fist, "everything… everything that has happened, is on me, Shutaura. Don't you dare go taking this Kamijou-san's burdens from him!"
Shutaura and Arisa starred in shocked silence a moment before laughing. "You really are an idiot Kamijou Touma!" Arisa wiped her eyes, "I told you Touma-kun wouldn't accept that." Shutaura snickered and waved her hand, "yeah you did."
Taking a breath, Touma nervously gazed at them. "Um.. I know what I'm about to ask is gonna sound hypocritical after what I just said. And I know I don't deserve to ask for your help. But, can you allow this Kamijou-san one final selfish wish?"
"Absolutely Kamijou Touma," Shutaura grinned. "You didn't even need to ask Touma-kun" Arisa grasped his hand catching him off guard.
"Wh-why? I didn't even give my request… how can you accept just like that?"
Touma asked in bewilderment. "What if I ask you to do something you don't want?" A sudden wave of self consciousness hit him. Why was she so trusting of him?
"You didn't need to, Kamijou-kun… we all knew what you were going to ask anyways." A shy nervous voice spoke to his left. Kazakiri smiled softly at him, hand to her chest. "I can't let my best friend become a monster and kill me without even realizing it." She flickered, the loss of a level 4 had really damaged her.
Touma was silent for a long moment before speaking. "Thank you… really… thank you… this I don't deserve your help let alone your kindness."
"If you've finished flirting with your remaining harem, Imagine Breaker. We have much more pressing matters to attend to." Fiamma teased as he walked by.
"This Kamijou-san couldn't flirt if you handed him a 300 word essay on the subject." Touma groaned out, slumping.
But Fiamma was right, the ritual itself was all set up. Everything was ready and waiting, all they needed to do was get Gleipnir onto Index. And then everything else would be simple, there was just… one tiny issue.
"How are we going to get Index to stand still long enough to start the ritual?" Kanzaki shouted, slamming her fist on the war table set up in the middle of the tent.
Celt frowned "You make a good point love, Index isn't exactly gonna just let us seal her power. And she ain't gonna just walk into our spell."
Elizard frowned and scratched her chin, "It is quite the conundrum isn't it?" she grimaced.
"And it's not like we can just restrain her," Agnese muttered with a grimace.
Lessar poked her head up, "and if we don't she might turn the whole world into her toy!" And then was promptly smacked on the head by Baobhan Sith.
"We know perfectly well what kind of toy you're thinking of, Lessar dear."
"Think we could… I don't know, draw her in by getting her attention?" Itsuwa asked.
Silvia gave a deadeye stare, "you want to get eaten, go ahead." she said.
"She'd know it was a trap," Ollerus started, with a frown.
"We just need enough Guts! And to shout loud enough so she has to come here!" Gunha shouted enthusiastically.
Kakine facepalmed, "that's not how this works, not everything can be solved with guts."
Gunha deflated slightly, before puffing out his chest. "Then you just need more guts!"
"Why don't we just throw that buffoon into the air with him shouting that?" Birdway said with a glare. "I think Index would love a free meal."
"Are you Insane!?" Saten shouted, "No way, why would we do that!?"
Kazakiri flickered slightly, "She's not gonna listen to me, I don't think she'll even give me the chance to talk. She's too obsessed with Touma, and doesn't realize how badly she's hurting me." She sighed and her voice glitched a bit. "By eating Junko, she eliminated a large source of the AIM that I'm made of." She gave a small frown, "which is why I'm so unstable."
"Well, we need something," Galistic gave a strained look. Her hoof tapped the ground in a nervous tick;
Tsuchimikado shook his head with a bitter expression . "We needed something, and we needed it yesterday. We've only got like, 20 minutes before the braindead board of directors do that really stupid thing we mentioned earlier."
"Why didn't we think of this 3 hours ago!?" Muireann threw her hands up in exasperation. "We all knew It'd come up eventually!" She made an odd seal noise in annoyance.
Touma was looking down at the ground as the argument continued. This was his fault, had he paid more attention. Had he made sure to check in on Shutaura and Arisa. Had just been more observant during his time in England. Had he just told Index what happened between him and Othinus sooner. Had he not tried to confront Ainmire alone.
None of this would have happened. He wouldn't have died and Index wouldn't have given up her humanity.
"I'll do it," he said looking up. He was scared… of course he was, he just worked so hard to escape Index. And now he was putting himself in the way to stop her. "This whole situation is because I died anyway. So it's my responsibility, I'll talk to Index. She wants me anyway, so she'll come."
Misaka rolled her eyes, "That's the worst Idea i've heard so far Idiot. If you of all people showed up to confront her. She'd just shove you into her mouth and seal you back up inside her, then we'll all die."
Touma whipped around, "Even if I talked to her as a distraction!?" he asked. "She admitted herself she's into me. So, wouldn't she be willing to talk?"
"She'd know you were up to something Kamijou-san" Uiharu pointed out. "If anything she'd take one look at you and gobble you up."
"Who else would have a chance!?," he shouted back. "With me distracting her we'd have more time! Even if she knew it was a trap, just having me near her will draw her attention. She wouldn't pass up the opportunity because she wants to protect me in her own twisted way." Said Touma as he bit his lip. He felt responsible for Index's change and Othinus's death. He figured that he was their best shot to distract Index but given Mikoto and Uiharu responses they were right Index probably would've probably assumed that he was planning something.
Uiharu sighed and made a face, "Well… she still has a physical body… couldn't we all like, hog pile her like in american football? Should buy enough time to chain her and start the ritual."
Mugino growled in annoyance, "In case you haven't noticed flowers. Accelerator is out there only barely surviving so we can even have this fucking meeting. Please, tell me how the actual fuck you think you could slow that fucking monster?"
"Ah… right… we wouldn't even get close to her," Uiharu's shoulders fell and she hung her head. "There's got to be something! Maybe we can overload her devouring ability or whatever and stun her."
Ollerus facepalmed and sighed, "it doesn't work like that, this isn't a video game." Shouts began to fly through the air as people argued. No one could think of any way to delay Index long enough to start the ritual, and they were running out of time.
Stiyl had stayed silent throughout the entire conversation. His teeth were grit in anger as his jaw tightened. He bit through his cigar as they continued to fight before slamming his fist on the table. "Enough of this pointless banter, we all know what the answer is. If none of you have the balls to say it out loud then I will. You have to use me as bait, Index won't listen to reason even if it's from the one she loves. She wouldn't be distracted long enough for you to seal her, even if the Imagine Breaker showed up. She'd attack him and put him back inside her and then kill us all afterwards. It has to be me she fucking hates my guts remember, so why not give her a chance at her target!" said Stiyl as he looked up and gazed directly into everyone's eyes. His shaking could be seen for a split moment before he forcefully straightened his posture.
Kanzaki shook her head "Stiyl! What are you suggesting? We don't make sacrifices there's gotta be ano-"
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Stily snapped. "No one else can do this and we don't have time to come up with another solution Kanzaki! I knew the moment I took my magic name I'd die trying to achieve it." He sighed and stood up, "Now you all may not be willing to accept it, but as unfair as it is. Life requires sacrifice and sometimes... a person needs to make the ultimate sacrifice for those they love. Index hates me, so she's not gonna make my death quick. She's gonna take her time to make sure I suffer. So, while she's busy eating me, you start the ritual." Stiyl paused for a moment looking around. "Anyone got any kind of smart quip or argument they'd like to make?"
Silence
"I thought so," Stiyl said and turned to the exit. Fully prepared to meet his fate, he stepped forward when Touma grabbed his wrist.
"There… is no way on earth, I'm going to let you throw your life away like this Stiyl" Touma glared at him. His hands were shaking and he seemed on the verge of breaking. "You love her, I couldn't bear to see Index eat someone who cares about her as much as you."
Stiyl pulled his hand from the boy's grip. "I know you won't, but we both know Index won't give you a choice either. She's going to eat me whether or not I do this, so I'm done delaying the inevitable."
Touma opened his mouth, "Stiyl you listen to m-"
"No! You listen to me Kamijou Touma" said Stiyl as he pointed his finger at the boy's face. "Ever since the day I met you I've hated you. I hated the fact that you saved her instead of me, making all of my effort worthless. I hated that you were able to stay by her side as I watched from afar. Seeing you two together made me sick to my damn stomach. I wanted to kill you myself every time I saw you with her. When she would smile at you and wait for you to return to that apartment you two shared. I saw the attraction she had for you in her eyes even to the point where she was willing to give up her status of a nun to be with you. When I saw her taking care of you trying to feed you, I wanted to burn you alive and smash my foot on your face! When she would mention the accidents of you seeing her in the bath, I wished you fell down a flight of stairs just out of spite. When she would be at the hospital waiting for you to wake up, I wanted to set you on fire for making her worry like that. You've been nothing but a pain in my ass since day one. But, as much as I hate admitting this, you're the only thing in this universe she can't live without. She needs you more than either of us can imagine, so you're not allowed to die you dumbass." Stiyl took a short breath, "so, while she's devouring me you will save her, you will continue to be her hero. Do you understand me, Kamijou Touma, wielder of the Imagine Breaker? This is your duty and I expect you to fulfill it! And if by some chance you somehow fail. I swear, no matter how I die I will rise from the dead as a draugr and promise to make your life a living hell for the rest of your existence! Do I make myself clear" Stiyl growled as he glared at Touma.
Standing in stunned silence, Touma's mouth lay open in shock. Unable to respond to the flame Magician.
Stiyl Turned back to the others, "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid while I get ready. We can't mess up, not this time… because there won't be a second chance. Wait for the right moment, you'll know it when you see it."
With that, the flame magician strode out of the tent leaving the entire group speechless.
Index giggled to herself as Accelerator used all his remaining strength to keep her jaws off him. He didn't have enough energy left to fly, let alone keep his reflection up at the same time. By this point, she was just toying with the boy.
Large armored coils extended down from her waist like a wrapped around Accelerator's body keeping him in place as they floated above the clouds. Index's mouth watered in anticipation as saliva splashed against Accelerator's cheeks.
"You should just make this easier on yourself and give up white hair~" she teased. "You're gonna end up in my jaws one way or another. Why not just let me eat you, I'll even make your death painless~"
The power she would gain after devouring Accelerator. With it, she could finally keep Touma to herself. She could finally protect her human from the rest of the cruel world. Free him from the jaws of misfortune and the conflict between magic and science. Released from the suffering of others, and the burden of fighting.
But, most of all.
Keep him safe from those selfish girls who hurt him in their jealousy.
Especially that honey colored succubus bitch in heat Misaki.
She almost chuckled at the irony. She was angry at those girls for trying to take her human, her understander, away. How selfish they were and how badly they treated her Touma. Yet, she realized, she herself was the most selfish of them all. Wanting to lock Touma away inside her, have his attention on her alone. Keep him away from danger and enjoy every waking moment with him. She knew people hated her for what she had become. But she didn't care, she was a goddess now, the consequences of mortals no longer applied to her. She felt pride building in her as she realized that she alone could finally give him what those mortals never could.
A normal life.
But, even as a goddess, Index had a wish that she wanted to desperately fulfill. She wanted a family with Touma. Not just a familial bond with him but a real family. Even now she could clearly see the image of them living in a small cottage by the ocean. Nothing too grand, Touma would feel uncomfortable if it was fancy. She could see Touma cooking food for their kids as they enjoyed a meal together. She imagined putting them to sleep before she and Touma enjoyed the rest of the night in the other's embrace. Then wake up the kids the next day for school, with her pregnant with a third child.
There were two other children in that cottage.
A boy
And a girl
The image for their daughter was so real Index swore it was tangible.
Blond hair like Othinus, with little black spiky puffs poking out here and there like Touma. White horns and a tail like her Human's Dragon-king. Acqua-marine eyes and adorable face with a big appetite like herself. Kind and compassionate like her Understander, and yet, proud and aggressive like Othinus. A perfect mix between her, Touma, and Othinus.
She felt... so real... as if she could touch her. Her hand reached out, the warmth emanating from the imaginary girl. She could feel her fingers stroking the young girl's soft and fluffy hair. See her little dragon tilt her head and lay her soft smooth cheek against her mother's hand. That soft breath, gently blowing across her fingertips as small hands grasped at her palm. It was as if… all Index, the goddess had to do was will it to be so, and her daughter would be real.
It was similar to when she had drawn that armored worm, the Rift Weaver in her mind. Then she had poured her anger, jealousy, and more to create something to stall the mortals that dared defy her. But… if she could create life like that mindless beast, couldn't she also create sentient life? Wasn't that her right as a true, almighty goddess?
"I may just be delaying the inevitable," Accelerator snapped her out of her fantasy. "But, It just means I've bought time for the damn hero and those idiots at the sargasso to end this. You've wasted your time with me, you wannabe demon lord!"
Index's eyes glazed over in anger, he had interrupted her daydream. He had ruined the moment for her and pulled her away from her fantasy. "Oh well… guess I shouldn't play with my food. Touma always said it was bad manners, and my tummy's awfully lonely. I hope you fill me up white hair~"
Even despite his ability enhancing his strength enough to split a planet. Accelerator found Index's jaws closing around his head. But, just as her mouth closed around the esper. Something at the sargasso caught her attention.
Towering high above the ship graveyard, in all its burning glory. Its flaming figure carrying an infernal cross in one hand, was none other than Innocentus itself. Index froze in place, her eyes flared angrily as she turned her head to the distance.
There was only one magician who used such a spell, and this was a calling card. Her eyes narrowed as they locked onto the target. Index didn't need to be there to see him standing at Innocentus's feet.
"Stiyl…" she hissed, her lower half reverted to normal, dropping accelerator. "STIIIIIIIIYL!"
The world bent around her, and she appeared before the flame magician. Her mere presence blasting Innocentus away. She floated downward stopping half a meter above the ground.
"Index…" Stiyl said gazing up at her with sad eyes as she floated just above him. He held his hand just before his chest as if gripping his heart.
"Stiyl…" Index growled, her pupils were slit, faces contorted with rage. There was nothing but pure hatred in those cosmic purple eyes. Stiyl felt like an ant confronting the very planet he lived on as she glared at him. "You hurt Touma…" she hissed out.
"Yes," Stiyl admitted gazing straight into those eyes alight with cosmic fire.
"You tried to kill him," Index said.
"Yes…" he admitted with the same quiet tone.
Index's eyes narrowed, her voice low. "Then you know what is going to happen next."
Stiyl nodded slowly, "Yes…" he said looking down.
"But you're not running?" Index tilted her head slightly confused.
"There's no point in running from you Index, even if I did it would only be a matter of time before you got me" said Stiyl as he took a long drag from his cigarette, he knew that this would be his final smoke. So, he figured he might as well savor the taste one last time, "I've already accepted my fate"
A sadistic grin formed on Index's face, "You know you're going to die? Yet you're willingly giving yourself to me why?" She asked.
"Heh, For you Index I would've let this world burn, as long as it would've kept you safe, that's all that mattered for me" said Stiyl as he tossed his cigarette aside. He bit his lip for a moment as he gathered the words he's always wanted to say to the girl that always held a special place in his cold heart. "Despite everything you've done, the people you've killed and the pain you've caused. My feelings for you haven't changed, I love you Index I always have… and I always will, no matter what."
Index's expression fell and her head lowered as she growled, "Is that it?" she asked. "You expect me to believe you?" she hissed. Her face was shadowed as she shook slightly.
"No… I don't" Stiyl said, shaking his head. "I have no reason to think you would, I just wanted to tell you that before you killed me."
"After everything you've done, you have the nerve to claim to love me?" She said, her voice shaking in anger. "Touma is my world, my human, my understander! He is everything and more to me! And you hurt him, you used him as bait, you used him as your personal human shield, and then abandoned him behind enemy lines. You have tried to kill him, and then lied about it to my face! You tried to take the one thing in the world that I can't live without. And….yet… you think… that you have the right to say you love me?" Her fists clenched, cracks forming in the air. A dark aura surrounded her as her hair began to defy gravity.
Index's shoulders shook slightly as she began to chuckle. It wasn't loud or overpowering, but that quiet laugh was unsettling. It was like the giggle one heard from a serial killer in a movie. Gone was the innocent nun who had wanted to protect Touma. Before Stiyl was a selfish dark god who would eat the universe itself if she felt like it.
"Ehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe- Ah~" Index's eyes rose as she smiled sadistically. Leaning over his shoulder, she whispered into his ear. "I'm going to enjoy killing you Stiyl Magnus~" Licking her lips she gave a half open smile. "I'll tear your limbs off, one by one, and slowly chew them. Then, I'll bite through your torso so your intestines hang out. Next, I'll punch a hole through your right side with my canines. Finally, I'll let my body deal with you the natural way, and digest you."
Pulling away Index gave a psychotic grin."But you won't have the honor of me absorbing your soul like I did Othinus. Instead, I'll rip your fucking petty mortal soul apart Stiyl~. I'll shred it piece by piece as you die inside me. And once I've finished with you, there will be nothing left of you, nothing!"
Stiyl gulped, she could smell the stench of fear emanating from him. And Index loved it, she could see him fighting the urge to run. She could feel him shaking in terror, the sweat rolling down his body.
"So, if you really do love me Stiyl~ Do me a favor" Index gave a false smile. "Scream for me," she said as she grabbed his right arm. Tugging, she tore it clean off from Stiyl's shoulder. Blood splattered against Index's face as her psychotic grin returned. Stiyl bit his lip so hard he drew blood in order not to scream
"Stiiiyyyllll!"a familiar voice roared out. Touma charged out from behind the cover of an overturned fishing boat. Index felt her heart throb excitedly seeing his anguished pained expression. His tear soaked face glaring at her through determined eyes, "Let him go Index!"
He threw his right fist forward at her face as she placed Stiyl's arm into her jaws. But he was thrown to the side as if his fist had slid from an invisible wall. Crashing into a nearby yacht's sideways deck. The moorings and cables came loose and wrapped around him, restraining the boy. Index would greet her human later, when she could take her time to welcome him back into her world. For now however, she had a mortal to punish.
Chewing on Stiyl's dismembered arm, Index licked the blood from her lips as Agnese, Angelene, and Lucia leapt out from a wooden dinghy. Agnese swung her metal staff down against an anchor. Angelene rolled to the side throwing her coin bags into the air. And Lucia leapt forward and threw her wooden wheel at Index.
A puncture wound appeared on Lucia's leg, and three coin bags crashed into Agnese. The wooden wheel exploded behind Index. But, the shrapnel ended up finding their way into Angelene's body instead.
Giggling, Index swallowed as she reached to Stiyl's left elbow. She savored each bite, the metallic tang of blood. The rubbery yet soft fat, the rough yet stringy muscles, the hard and crunchy bones. The chaos around her was but the symphony of her victory.
A sonic boom was heard and Kanzaki charged forth, leaping from the broken bow of a freight ship. Gleipnir in hand she went to throw the spiked grounding tip at Index as she tore Stiyl's left forearm from his body. As soon as the chain left her grip the tip curved and wrapped around Kanzaki's leg. She was sent careening through the air before the chain detached. The saint crashed into the ground near Touma as Gleipnir fell to the ground but a meter from him.
Muireann burst from a pool of water under a tarp. Celt appeared in the air above Index, Galistic and Baobhan on either side. Misaka, Kuroko, and Gunha charging Index from three sides.
Gram became surrounded by rapidly flowing high pressure water as Muireann swung it down. Celt scattered a cup of what seemed to be wine. Splattering onto the espers granting them undiluted inspiration. Galstic and Boabhan dropped down at Index aiming their dirks at her. Intent to drive them into her with their hooves like hammers on nails.
Misaka charged at Index as she formed thermite blades. As soon as Celt's wine hit her, electricity wrapped around them and ionized the very air turning them into plasma whips. Kuroko swiped her nails and teleported them, focusing them into an infinitely small point before Index. Gunha threw his fist launching a multicolored spatially distorted explosion out.
Index popped Stiyl's left forearm into her mouth humming happily. Gram curved through the air, and buried itself into Celt's shoulder. Galistic and Baobhan's dirks pierced into each other's sides. Gunha's distorted explosion crashed into Kuroko sending her hurtling hundreds of feet up. And Misaka's plasma whips detonated, scorching herself. The erupting singularity Kuroko created tore Gunha's leg clean off as the excess energy launched a beam into the distance.
Anyone who wasn't launched away already got thrown back as Index slowly chewed. The satisfying snapping of tendons hit her eardrums and she swallowed. Reaching down she tore Stiyl's left leg clean off from the hip. Tossing it into the air she caught it by the ankle and lazily gnawed on the thigh.
All those who had fallen already were bound by rope, cords and wires. They erupted from the ground and environment to restrain the defeated. Light erupted forth behind Index as Elizard swung a Curtana fragment at her side. Itsuwa leapt from her lower left side, thrusting her spear towards her throat. A steel glove swung down from above and to the right as Lessar flung herself forward.
Index tore the muscle from the femur and shrugged, swallowing. Curtana detonated and evaporated, Elizard falling face first into the ground. Glastonbury, the mobile fortress over Toyko bay required for the blade to work. Detonated in the distance, momentarily blinding Lessar. Her steel glove deflected sideways and crashed into Itsuwa's spear. The two slid against the ground where they were restrained by a set of steel cables.
A set of darkmatter wings erupted from below Index. Multiple white-green beams of energy fell from the sky as they reflected off of thin air. And the spatially contorted forward bow of a ship slipped through space in front of her. Kinuhata jumped off Mugino standing in the air, and swung her leg down.
Lazily, Index popped the rest of Stiyl's left leg into her mouth and swallowed it. She reached for his Ankle and tore his foot off. A scream forced its way from Stiyl's mouth as Index popped his foot into her own.
Meltdowner rays crashed into Darkmatter wings and refracted into Kakine. Darkmatter wings pierced Kinuhata's sides and sent her flying. Kinuhata slammed against Awaki knocking her off balance. And the warped ship sailed over Index's head before crashing against an unprepared Mugino.
And all the while, Index hadn't even moved an inch. She was an immovable object, an unstoppable force. A walking natural disaster, nothing could get close to Index. And no one could hope to stop her.
A fireball was launched from behind, the light of venus reflected from her forward right. Bullets flew in from either side of her and a FIVE_Over railgun flew in firing. Index crunched on Stiyl's foot, slowly lifting him by the neck.
The fireball careened around Index like it was a star orbiting a black hole, crashing into the FIVE_Over. The light of venus split and hit Tsuchimikado and Hamazura's pistols. Bullets curved through the air and hit Hamazura and Tsuchimikado. Railgun fire tore up at the ground and sliced through Birdway and Eztali's legs.
Index swallowed, sliding Stiyl's head into her jaws. His body was sweating profusely and the fear made him taste all the better to her. Tatemiya and the Amakusas leapt up from their hiding places. Arranging themselves around Index to bolster their allies' power. Brunhild and Silvia launched in from either side to strike. Fiamma appeared behind her with an unstable holy right and reached out.
The Amakusas suddenly fell to the ground as their power was sapped from them. Brunhild and Silvia deflected and slammed into each other crashing into the ground and were enveloped in an explosion. Fiamma's own holy right turned on him and struck him down
"In-INDEEEEEEX!" an anguished cry said and glowing wings erupted out. The mana became heavy and threatened to run wild. Kazakri flew at Index swinging a glowing blade at her from the side. The great devourer didn't even glance at her and the artificial angel's wings were plucked. Stiyl's torso vanished into Index's mouth as Kazakiri crashed to earth. But that did not stop the scientific angel who continued her charge with superhuman speeds. Index bit into Stiyl's abdomen, his intestines spilling out onto her tongue.
Kazakiri suddenly fell face first into the ground as the AIM was drained from her. Her form became unstable and she flickered out of existence. Biting through Stiyl's kidneys with her canines, Index grinned as she tasted the blood and fluids. A set of disks flew through the air with wires attached.
The disks suddenly reflected and exploded on Shutaura, as her and Arisa screamed. They fell to the ground as a final set of cables, wires, ropes, and cords. Burst out to restrain them, it was over, the Sargasso team had failed. As Index tilted her head back slowly, she felt a grin form on her face.
She had won
Stiyl began squirming in her mouth agonized gasps and weak pleads for mercy slipping from his lips. Index opened her mouth ever so slightly and licked her lips before swallowing. "Stiyl, you're pathetic, begging for your life after giving yourself to me. I thought you loved me," she giggled looking down.
She could feel him struggling against her muscles as they forced him down. His ribs and spine cracking under the pressure of her body. Drool fell from her jaws as she felt a twisted smile growing.
"But! Guess that was a lie, just like everything else you've told me. Don't think begging for mercy will save you Stiyl. Nothing and no one can save you now, not even if they tried." Index could hear Stiyl's whimpers and cries, but chose to ignore them. Slowly, she reached into his soul and ripped a chunk of it off. He screamed in agony and her eyes glittered in excitement.
A groan caught her attention and she saw Touma shift to look at her. The pure terror in his eyes was evident, and it caused heat to fill Index's body. "I…Index… d-don't do this… please! Not even Stiyl, for all he's done deserves this!" He struggled against his restraints, "He just wanted to protect you! Please don't kill him!" Touma pleaded.
Index gazed at Touma and sighed fondly. "Touma, you'd say that if he had actually killed you. Your forgiveness is one of the many reasons I love you human. But Stiyl doesn't deserve it, he tried to kill you and he's never apologized."
"He loved you Index, shouldn't that mea-" Touma was cut off as Index bolted to her feet.
"LIES! There's no way that pathetic mortal who tried to kill my human could ever actually lo-" she trailed off and froze. Fragments of memory playing in her mind as the shards of Stiyl's soul vanished into the ether.
The Canterbury cathedral, the courtyard outside. A boy in robes with red dyed hair lighting a cigarette. A silver haired girl in a white gold habit snatched the pack from his hands. Feelings of embarrassment and shame as the girl reprimanded him. But the warm feeling of happiness just to spend time with her.
St. George's Cathedral , a small yard near the entrance. That boy, moving in to greet the silver haired girl who had gone to hug a black haired woman. The girl smiled upon seeing him. A desire to protect that girl and her smile from harm. To stay by her side and enjoy life together
An empty confessional, a blond demon in a beige habit stood in front of a moonlit window. The silver haired girl lying in a bed, her body failing. The blond demon, saying they needed to erase the girl's memories. A feeling of denial, an urge to reject the demon's words. But belief and trust in their leader's guidance.
A cluttered office, the robed boy going through notes and runes. Trying to find a way to save the silver haired girl without erasing her memories. The girl, opening her eyes and looking at the runes he made in curiosity. A feeling of helplessness as he could not find a solution. Guilt as he lied to the girl about the nature of the runes. A squeezing at his chest as the girl praised his skill, feeling worthless for failing her.
The courtyard again, the black haired woman holding a camera. The silver haired girl, panicking in misunderstanding. A photo taken of the robed boy with the silver haired girl and black haired woman on either side. A wish for things to continue like this, for them to never have to say goodbye. But the painful ache knowing that they had to end. A boiling urge to take the girl and run away, but a crushing despair knowing it would be pointless.
A dark basement, the silver haired girl lying on a stone table. Tears, pouring from her face, crying out in fear. Emotionless magicians preparing a ritual to cleanse her memories. A promise from the robed boy and black haired girl. Rage, boiling under the skin, self loathing at his own failure. Pain of losing, of being unable to do anything for the girl. Acceptance that there was nothing he could do for her anyways.
A city at night, the robed boy chasing the silver haired girl. A look of fear in her eyes as she leapt from rooftop to rooftop. A spell cast, the girl tumbling over the edge and vanishing from sight. Pain, of that fear, a wish to just embrace the girl and tell her it's alright. But guilt, an inability to face her, feeling unworthy of standing beside her. Only allowed to stay in the shadows and play the villain for her sake.
The silver haired girl in an old broken down apartment. A spiky haired boy thrashing around as she clung to his skull. The robed boy sitting on a distant rooftop, looking at the scene through binoculars. Envy, jealous of the boy beside the girl. A desire to charge in and throw the boy aside and bring the girl back. But a feeling of spite, a desire to see the boy's broken face when he realizes he can't save her.
That apartment, a hole in the roof as the silver haired girl floated. A beam of light emerging from a crack in the air. The spiky haired boy holding back a dragon's breath. Denial, a refusal to believe the boy had achieved what he couldn't. Hope that the boy was right and that the girl could be saved. Regret, that he hadn't seen the truth sooner.
Like flashing scenes the memories continued to play. A cram school taken by an alchemist who failed. Eastern magicians, a runaway pacifist nun. A fall festival and a plot by the Roman catholics. A world war, the silver girl rampaging from the lies of a loved one. Spite and arrogance at the amateur esper. Irritation and trust in the boy's ability to connect. Annoyance and faith that the boy would protect that girl. Anger and confusion that the boy would lie to the girl about his memories.
A denmark manhunt, a boy against the world for a pagan god. London under siege, the golden magicians. A great demon's reveal and a world under threat. A party and a golden damsel, a dragon taking a country hostage. Rage and betrayal that the boy would turn his back on the girl. Suspicion and disgust that the boy would bring the girl to attack her home. Hatred and betrayal, that his leader planned to destroy all he held dear. Relief that he had an excuse to kill the boy. Disgust that he had to obey an imposter that threatened his home.
The Countless memories continued to play as Stiyl's soul began to crumble. Index was now seeing his last and more recent memories. Like the last embers of a fire that was about to be extinguished.
Los Angeles frozen over, a fey invasion, a false hero and the silver haired girl turned god. The Great Devourer's promise, a fight for survival. Gold chains, a plane crash in Russia, a plan to save that girl's innocence. Spite, and hate for the spiky haired boy who took the girl from him. Begrudging obligation to do his job even if it meant working with the boy he hated. Confusion and shock at how easily the boy spiky haired died. Fear and disbelief as the silver haired girl sacrificed her humanity for the spiky haired boy. Despair and a shattered ego as the silver haired girl turned her fangs against him. Uncertainty in the path forward, respect for the boy he hated. Unstable hope in the possibility to save the one he loved.
Tremors traveled across Index's body as her vision was clouded. The final memories flowing into her mind as the final pieces of Stiyl's soul began to flicker out.
A ship graveyard, the final confrontation. That girl turned god, staring down at the robed boy. Cosmic purple eyes piercing the boy's soul. The jaws of death closing in around him. An urge to run, but the stubborn refusal to fail. The feeling of insignificance being hopelessly small in the grand scheme of the universe. Acceptance of fate, and satisfaction in having finally done something worthwhile.
Stiyl's memories and emotions flowed through her and she fell to her knees. Tears welled into her eyes as she finally realized. Stiyl loved her, he had truly, undoubtedly loved her. He loved her to the point he had been willing to give his life to save her from herself.
Who he had been, and who she once was were completely unrecognizable. But she knew all the same who that red haired boy in robes was. Who that silver haired girl and that black haired woman were.
Index felt as Stiyl took his final breaths, her hands falling to her sides. The final embers of his soul going out as the last memory played before her eyes. Stiyl lying listlessly in her stomach as his body was broken down and digested. The overwhelming fear, filling every inch of his being as he whimpered and cried. Wishing beyond all hope to be saved despite knowing it wouldn't happen. If just, so he could at least see Index smile genuinely, one last time before he was gone.
And then… he died
"Aaah... "
It was now she truly realized what she had become. She was a monster, a truly selfish monster. She didn't care for Touma's feelings, she didn't even really care for his safety. She just wanted to have him to herself, to indulge in every side of him, and experience every emotion from him. She didn't need to eat espers for their personal realities, or gods for their mana.
"Aaahh..."
She just enjoyed it
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH" Index cried out and broke down. The emotions that had built up forced their way to the surface causing her to lose control. The restraints on the mortals fell, and tears flowed from Index's eyes as she shook in horror at what she had become.
She was a cannibalistic monster that enjoyed devouring people. She loved seeing them suffer and cry for mercy. She indulged in their struggles as they squirmed in her mouth. She took pleasure in their wriggling as they slid down her throat. She'd shake in ecstasy as they slowly died in her body.
And worst of all, she didn't feel any regret even now.
No, in fact even now she found a twisted pleasure in how she had just eaten Stiyl. She enjoyed it and she was unable to lie to herself anymore. He had loved and trusted her, yet she had mercilessly eaten him alive. She had brutally torn him apart and eaten each piece in front of him. And then she had devoured him and tore his soul apart. She had broken him, and now he wasn't even just dead.
He was gone, and he would never be able to return.
Of course he had been terrified to die, he was only 14. A teenager only a year younger than her and Touma. So, of course he would beg for his life, any normal human would. Yet Index found herself hot at the idea, she had done that, little helpless Index. She had killed stiyl and devoured him, digested his body and destroyed his soul.
It was like how she had felt a similar but different twisted pleasure when she ate Othinus. The pagan god had loved Touma and trusted Index like a sister. And in return, Index had turned around and consumed her. Chewed her body up and swallowed her like she was just another piece of food on her plate. And just when Othinus thought she was free of pain Index had eaten her soul. Broke it down and absorbed it like anything else she ate.
She too had been terrified, the mighty god brought down to a helpless girl. She had begged and pleaded for her life just as Stiyl had. And Index had still eaten Othinus, she made the god part of her. Her mind, body and soul had been absorbed into Index's own. So, in a way Othinus lived on through her, and Index found a weird eroticism in it. As it meant she and Othinus could enjoy Touma together as one being. A truly, symbiotic relationship where everyone wins.
She felt that heat filling her body once again, imagining Touma in her jaws. Her teeth carving through his left arm as she ground his legs to pulp. Her human, unable to escape as she swallowed him. Desperately trying to slow his descent as he'd slide down her throat. Using that right hand of his in a last ditch effort to claw his way out. His body, slowly breaking down as Index steals his power. Locking his soul away inside her body, unable to do anything as she continued to eat those he cared about.
Drool slipped out of Index's lips as she found herself turned on by the thought. The idea of making Touma truly one with her so she didn't need to share him with anyone. Unable to run from her, unable to escape her, forced to live on inside her. Her breath grew hot and her mind swam in confusion. Fear welled up inside her as she came to the realization that.
She wanted to eat her human understander, Kamijou Touma. She wanted to feel him struggle inside her. She wanted to trap his soul in her body and force him to watch her eat everything he loved.
Tears continued to pour down her face and Index shivered. Would she accept that she was a monster and embrace her selfish darkside? Or, would she reject what she had become and deny her selfishness by taking her own life?
Live as a monster?
Die as a Human?
She could almost see the waveform of the world in her mind's eye. Her choice at this moment would decide the fate of the universe. It swayed like a pendulum, swinging back and forth.
If she lived as a monster she would be sacrificing Touma's world and thus his smile. She would continue to devour and grow in power till she consumed the trees themselves. The old world would die, and a new one would be born inside her. But, she would have Touma to herself, she could have a family with him.
If she died as a human, she would save Touma's world and protect his shaky smile. But, she would never see him again. Her soul would fade and her existence would end. Touma would be taken by someone else and he'd have a family without her.
The waveform began to waver as she felt her will to live fading. Her eyes closed as she thought about her human her Understander.
Her… Touma
What was his world? Academy city? no, The earth? no, The universe he lived in?
No
His world was the friends and family he had, the people he cared about and the connections he made.
Wasn't she part of his world? Even if she protected the rest of his world by sacrificing herself. Would she really be protecting his smile?
She came to her conclusion, no… if she died Touma would never smile again.
The pendulum swung back again as Index's desires won out.
Ready to make her choice, she resolved herself. She really was a selfish girl wasn't she.
But before she could act, the waveform collapsed into a third option she had not foreseen. And something pierced into her back and out through her chest.
It was soft and thin like a silk ribbon and made of gold.
It was unbreakable by man or by gods and would only snap at ragnarok.
It was made with six impossible Items.
The footstep of a cat
And the beard of a woman
And the roots of a rock
And the sinews of a bear
And the breath of a fish
And the spittle of a bird.
Gleipnir was its name.
A/N:
Craytherlay- and here we are at the bottom, this chap took a bit but it wasn't nearly as bad as last chap. I knew I wanted to start with the Board of Directors being idiots. But then I realized it was the perfect chance to have Aliester show up… be it only in voice. And yeah it's Aliester if you somehow didn't figure that out by the descriptions. Me and rails had a bit of back and forth with that scene, but I'll let him go into detail on the process for that first scene.
DragonRails - Yeah Cray you really had to emphasize on Aliester's voice, which was a pain in the ass like how many times am I gonna read on how it sounded!? But him giving the board members that badass warning was worth it.
Craytherlay- def, thanks for putting up with it if just for that. I did take your advice and tweaked a few sections. But the warning itself that was def major back and forth. Like the one part where he explained what he was afraid of.
Dragonrails - Considering Index's threat level it was understandable but at the same time I'm expecting a last fuck you to the board members.
Craytherlay- We all know that last 'fuck you' is coming, and it won't even nessesarily be a big obvious fuck you. He's Aliester, he likes to mess with his enemies first I think we'll agree. Now then, the second part while it had a short little reunion scene from Shurauta/Arisa and Kazakiri. That was only because they didn't fit into last chapter. That scene was mostly about the actual debate. The whole 'how the fuck you get Index to cooperate?' which was really just a backdrop for Stiyl's speech. That! Took a lot of work even if the basics were set up months ago.
Dragonrails- oh God that took forever granted it was my fault since my time sucks, but I really felt like you were lacking with his last goodbye speech I mean, if you know your gonna die your gonna take the chance to express all your pent up emotions and jealousy, honestly I felt like more could be added to his more emotional state but I'm good with what we have considering what you wrote the first time your lucky I didn't delete it fully and demand a full rewrite.
Craytherlay- Bitch don't go over exaggerating shit. Your whole 'delete' was for something later. But yes I did lack a bit in the emotion department. I just couldn't quite figure out how to properly make it feel expressive. Without making it feel excessive, and that's why I mostly left it to you. I did ad bits and bobs but you came in and noted that it kinda has to be excessive. I mean like you said, last day on earth, gotta make it count. But what you pumped out with that was… damn that was punching me in the gut with a knife. And then we only make that punch worse later. Speaking of the scene we had to work a bit on after that was the Stiyl, Index scene.
Dragonrails- Stiyl confronting Index and his confession was a big thing here, I really wanted to focus on his inner feeling and what you had before was alright but it needed to have a more emotional drive to it, those two scenes were the go big or go home vibe to them, also I had to imagine the scene in detail so we could get it right.
Craytherlay- well go big or go home, I'm not sure then again who am I to judge. But I do agree we needed to go heavy on the emotions. Like you said I had a good 'framework' but you ended up putting the actual walls, floor and ceiling on that bitch. Even small additions made big changes like focusing on that 'last smoke'. Now the actual brutal murder of Stiyl… not much to say on it other than the fact It was heavily inspired by the utter hopless energy around Avenger's Inifinity war's 'Thanos comes to Wakanda' scene.
Dragonrails- not gonna lie I really felt like we needed to put the brutality into his death, it was a long time coming, if we didn't have it as brutal as before I felt like the readers would've read what you had and said "Well that was just Anti-climatic" so I felt the chances I made really brought out the "I'm gonna die and this is the last thing I saw" and sadly it wasn't what he wanted to see.
Craytherlay- Ah yes, the death itself was Index fulfilling her promise. But yeah it was brutal as hell, and when I go to remaster It'll definitely help me make Othinus's death more brutal. Cause it should have a similar level of Brutality to Stiyl's death. That last bit however… yeah… that had the whole 'you better fucking delete and rewrite this' vibe. That memory sequence… yeeeesh it was the most annoying and difficult part.
Dragonrails- the fuck you mean most annoying and difficult part mother Fucker, I literally told you to rewrite the damn thing, it skipped around so much I had to rub my eyes a few times to make sure what I read was correct, yeah you did have the framework for it but I felt like it wasn't just lacking it was just words you thought looked pretty on screen, but at least you manged to take my advice on it and you actually put more thought into what you wanted.
Craytherlay- That we can agree on, in the end I had decided to cut out any 'made up' memories and focus purely on the ones we could find in the source material or manga. Your additions to the little points between with using the metaphor of a fire going out to symbolize Stiyl's dying soul was a perfect Touch. The memories themselves were segmented into a See/feel format to make it easier to organize. And then… we have that last bit with Index realizing just what she's become. Live as a Monster, Die as a Human, that was a good part that we talked about and although I mostly wrote it. You did give the whole 'she should bring Othinus up' thought to it.
Dragonrails- that live as a monster or die as a Human part was probably the only part of the chapter that didn't need to be rewritten for once you managed to get something right the first time which was a honest to god surprise, usually I have to rewrite most of what you put down but I thought it was a good part hell it even fits Index character in the story.
Craytherlay- Indeed it does, up till now she's always been lying to herself about something. But now that she's no longer hiding from the truth she had to make a decision about her path forward. Having her acknowledge her darkness and compare her devouring Stiyl to how she ate Othinus was a nice touch. It gave a good compare and contrast as we explained why she enjoyed it. And then having her end it off by realizing and imagining doing the same to Touma. And the fear of the fact she wanted to do it just… gah! This combined with the entire Stiyl's death sequence. Was a punch to the gut with a bladed, and poisoned knuckle duster. Which was then twisted and ripped out. Index realizes what she is now and can't hide the monster inside anymore. But, it's not like the heroes would just let her make that decision now would they? Hope you like that cliffhanger.
You've reached the bottom of the chap, hey! Feel free to comment on our little A/N here and give requests for Omakes in the Future. The next chapter is the final one btw… so, as I turn my gaze past this infinity lets enjoy this.
Next time
Live as a Monster, Die as a Human: third option?
